Where Gordon Lightfoot never sang about Canada;
Where Christopher Plummer never acted;
Where Oscar Peterson never played;
Where Margaret Atwood never wrote;
Where Alanis Obomsawin never filmed.
Most Canadian artists persevere in the face of overwhelming odds,
including incomes far below the national average.
Now imagine a world where young artists have to start from scratch
Without a mentor or experienced advisor who could help direct them—and potentially change their lives.
The Canadian Artists Network encourages senior professional artists to continue their life’s work and, through initiatives such as our Artist to Artist Mentoring Program, helps prepare the next generation of Lightfoots, Plummers, Petersons, Atwoods, and Obomsawins.
CAN is dedicated to ensuring that senior professional artists live in an inclusive world
where they can continue to pursue their careers and serve as role models for the next generation.
Details and Registration here.
New Webinar on How Artistic Practice Protects the Brain
30 October 2025 at 1:00 PM ET | 10:00 AM PT
The latest research regarding art practice and the brain.
More information and registration here.
CAN Recommends Tax Changes to Benefit Artists
CAN has submitted a set of recommendations to the federal Standing Committee on Finance for changes that will benefit artists and all gig workers.
Read our submission here.
Canada Council Spotlights CAN Mentoring Program
The Canada Council profiles CAN’s Mentoring Program on its Spotlight page.
Read it here.
CAN Artistic Advisor Talks About Our Mentoring Program
CAN Mentor and Artistic Advisor Guy Maddin talks to The Globe and Mail’s Barry Hertz about our program: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/film/article-how-guy-maddins-giant-brain-is-spreading-the-wisdom-of-senior-citizen/?login=true
We have links to various services and programs offered by the Government of Canada, including a calculator that will help you determine what benefits you may be entitled to.
The Government of Ontario provides reductions in hydro bills for low income households. Find out more by clicking the button below.
Artistic Advisory
Peggy Baker • Laurie Brown • Max Dean
Rita Shelton Deverell • Douglas Gibson
Lynda Hamilton • Evelyn Hart • Brenda Hoffert
Paul Hoffert • Thomas King • Jani Lauzon
Ranee Lee • Guy Maddin • Sheila McCarthy
Charles Pachter • R.H.Thomson
Mary Walsh • Paul Wong